Cutdown Day: Top 5 Surprise Cuts

Dan Bailey, K

Bailey, the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history, was a surprise cut for many reasons, one of which is his age. He’s 30, which for a kicker is still fairly young. Most surprising is who he was displaced by: Brett Maher, a journeyman with 0 regular season NFL attempts, and a career percentage of 78.1% over four seasons in the CFL. The Dolphins and the Vikings are both sticking with rookie kickers, for now, so look for them to perhaps be interested in Bailey if the rookies underachieve.

DeShawn Shead, CB

Shead was recently signed for $6.5 million to be the Lions’ starting corner across from Darius Slay. As recently as the beginning of the preseason, Shead appeared to be the most likely starter. Shead was recently passed on the depth chart by Nevin Lawson and Teez Tabor. He was most likely cut to save cap space at this point. Look for Shead to possibly re-sign with the Seahawks, who need a cornerback after Byron Maxwell was placed on IR.

Corey Coleman, WR

After trading a seventh-round pick to the Browns for Coleman, the Bills promptly cut him. While this seems very much like a Bills-type move, Coleman has the talent to be a solid slot receiver for the right team. The Patriots may be looking for more receiving depth, and have been known to give high picks second chances.

Martavis Bryant, WR

After trading a third-round pick for a player, you’d think a team would hold on to him. Not in the case of the 6’4 speedster Bryant. I have no idea why the Raiders would cut a player of his caliber, but he’s bound to latch on somewhere pretty quickly.

Landry Jones, QB

I’m a little surprised that the Steelers cut their longtime backup. With the draft pick of Mason Rudolph, I expected the Steelers’ QB room to be Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, and Rudolph as the third string/developmental. Rudolph, however, had other plans. With a great training camp and preseason, he was elevated to the backup spot, leaving Jones without a job. Jones is still a quality backup, and at the age of 29, can keep that status for at least five more years.